AJ Muss, 27 

Snowboard Parallel Slalom, Parallel Giant Slalom 

Trained with Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club 

How old were you when you started snowboarding? 

I started snowboarding when I was 5 or 6. My parents had the leash, and they would pull me around the backyard. At 12, that was when I knew I wanted to compete professionally. 

What was your favorite part of going to the 2018 Olympics? What memory stood out to you the most that you didn’t expect would? 

The opening ceremonies were one of my favorite parts. As an American, you dream of being part of that team walking out. Becoming an Olympian was everything I wanted to be, and snowboarding was just the avenue to do that.  

What qualities make for a successful parallel slalom snowboarder? 

Determination, willingness to adapt to changing situations and scenarios, being able to hone in on what you’re doing and being able to block out the noise. Most races are won and lost by the mistakes you made, not what the other guy is doing. 

What does it mean to you to be among Steamboat’s list of Olympians? It’s humbling being up there with the Todd Lodwicks, Tyler Jewells – it’s an honor to be included in that list. Steamboat, the Yampa Valley, SSWSC, the entire town’s atmosphere, the legendary Olympians up in Olympian Hall make for an incredible culture to be a part of. 

What do you like to do outside of snowboarding? 

I also drive race cars professionally – I do endurance racing with Hyundai. I also like to fly wingsuits. I’m a full-on adrenaline junkie. 

What do you see yourself doing after you retire from snowboarding? 

Driving race cars full time. I’ll be doing a race at Daytona literally two weeks before the Olympics.